Gaming apparatus executing race by a plurality of race objects, and game control method thereof

ABSTRACT

A gaming apparatus of the present invention accepts a high-amount bet with an upper limit of bets being higher than an upper limit of bets for the normal bet, when game media in a prescribed amount or more have been betted as the normal bet; and offers an award based on the normal bet and a result of the race, and also offers an award based on the high-amount bet and the result of the race.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-216233 filed on Aug. 22, 2007. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus that executes a race by a plurality of race objects, and a game control method thereof.

Conventionally, gaming apparatuses such as a horse racing game apparatus have been known in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,275, U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,150, U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,887, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,944, JP-A 2001-87461, U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,991, JP-B 3291287, U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,410, JP-B 3366308, U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,331, U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,550, JP-A 2002-85852, U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,529, JP-A 2002-035429, U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,353, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,508). A player who plays a game on such a gaming apparatus predicts which race object will win in the race, and places a bet of game media such as medals on the race object. Then, the player can receive an award according to the result of the race and the betted game media.

The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,275, U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,150, U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,887, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,944, JP-A 2001-87461, U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,991, JP-B 3291287, U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,410, JP-B 3366308, U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,331, U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,550, JP-A 2002-85852, U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,529, JP-A 2002-035429, U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,353, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,508 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

However, in the gaming apparatuses described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,275, U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,150, U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,887, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,944, JP-A 2001-87461, U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,991, JP-B 3291287, U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,410, JP-B 3366308, U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,331, U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,550, JP-A 2002-85852, U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,529, JP-A 2002-035429, U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,353, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,508, an upper limit of an amount of game media that can be betted in one game is constantly fixed, thereby making it impossible to place a bet in an amount exceeding the previously set upper limit even when a player wishes to place a high-amount bet. Previously setting the upper limit of bets high enough to place a high-amount bet may be considered; however, since the upper limit amount is still fixed even in this case, such a configuration is not new as compared with the conventional gaming apparatuses, causing a problem of lack of freshness in a game.

The present invention was made in view of the foregoing problem, and has an object to provide a gaming apparatus capable of changing the upper limit of bets, and a game control method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the foregoing problems, the present invention provides the following.

(1) A gaming apparatus, comprising:

a bet input device with which a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning can be inputted; and

a controller,

the controller programmed so as to execute the processing of

(A) accepting a normal bet from the bet input device,

(B) accepting in the bet input device a high-amount bet with an upper limit of bets being higher than an upper limit of bets for the normal bet, when game media in a prescribed amount or more have been betted in the processing (A),

(C) proceeding with the race, and

(D) offering an award based on the normal bet placed in the processing (A) and a result of the race, and

(E) offering an award based on the high-amount bet placed in the processing (B) and the result of the race.

According to the invention of (1), in a race in which a plurality of race objects (e.g. racehorses in a horse racing game) contend with one another for winning, when game media in a prescribed amount or more are betted as a normal bet, a high-amount bet with an upper limit set higher than that of the normal bet is accepted. An award is then offered based on the normal bet and a result of the race, and an award is also offered based on the high-amount bet and on the result of the race.

The upper limit of the bet increases when the bet is placed in the prescribed amount or more, thereby allowing a player to place a bet in a higher amount. Further, since the upper limit of the bet changes (increases) by a prescribed trigger, it is possible to vary a game and make the player have a fresh mind. This can result in enhancement of willingness of the player to place a bet in a higher amount, so as to give the player the possibility of receiving a high-amount payout due to a high-amount bet, and facilitate to secure a profit of a manager of a game facility.

Further, by placing a high-amount bet on a specific race object and obtaining a large amount of payout, the player enjoys feeling as if he or she is an owner (e.g. a horse owner) of the race object.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(2) The gaming apparatus according to the above-mentioned (1),

wherein

the processing (E) includes the processing of

(E-1) offering a normal award based on the high-amount bet and on a prescribed order of finish and also offering a special award different from the normal award, when the race object on which the high-amount bet has been placed in the processing (B) finishes in the prescribed order.

According to the invention of (2), when the race object on which the high-amount bet has been placed finishes in a prescribed order in the race, a special payout (e.g. payout in an amount ten times as large as a payout based on the odds) is offered as a bonus, in addition to a normal payout (payout calculated using the odds) based on the high-amount bet and the order of finish. Therefore, depending on the race result, placing the high-amount bet makes it possible for the player to obtain a high-amount payout which cannot be obtained based on the normal bet, thereby making it possible to enhance willingness of the player to challenge the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(3) The gaming apparatus according to the above-mentioned (1), further comprising:

a display device capable of displaying an image,

wherein

the controller is further programmed so as to execute the processing of

(F) displaying to the display device an image showing that the high-amount bet can be placed, when game media in the predetermined amount or more have been placed in the processing (A).

According to the invention of (3), an image showing that the high-amount bet can be placed is displayed to a display device (e.g. display) when the normal bet in the prescribed amount or more is placed. Hence, it is possible to give the player a deep impression that a bet in a higher amount can be placed, thereby leading to enhancement of willingness of the player to place the high-amount bet.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(4) A gaming apparatus, comprising:

a bet input device with which a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning can be inputted; and

a controller,

the controller programmed so as to execute the processing of

(A) accepting a normal bet from the bet input device,

(B) accepting in the bet input device a high-amount bet with an upper limit of bets being higher than an upper limit of bets for the normal bet, when game media in a prescribed amount or more have been betted in the processing (A),

(C) proceeding with the race, and

(D) offering an award, based on a total of game media betted as the normal bet in the processing (A) and game media betted as the high-amount bet in the processing (B), and on a result of the race.

According to the invention of (4), in a race in which a plurality of race objects (e.g. racehorses in a horse racing game) contend with one another for winning, when game media in the prescribed amount or more are betted as a normal bet, a high-amount bet with an upper limit set higher than that of the normal bet is accepted. A payout is then offered based on a total of game media betted as the normal bet and game media betted as the high-amount bet, and on the result of the race. The upper limit of the bet increases when the bet is placed in the prescribed amount or more, thereby allowing a player to place a bet in a higher amount. Further, since the upper limit of the bet changes (increases) by a prescribed trigger, it is possible to vary a game and make the player have a fresh mind. This can result in enhancement of willingness of the player to place a bet in a higher amount, so as to give the player the possibility of receiving a high-amount payout due to a high-amount bet, and facilitate to secure a profit of a manager of a game facility.

Further, by placing a high-amount bet on a specific race object and obtaining a large amount of payout, the player can enjoy feeling as if he or she is an owner (e.g. a horse owner) of the race object.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(5) A game control method, including the steps of:

(A) placing a normal bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning;

(B) placing a high-amount bet with an upper limit of bets being higher than an upper limit of bets for the normal bet, when game media in a prescribed amount or more have been betted in the step (A);

(C) proceeding with the race;

(D) offering an award based on the normal bet placed in the step (A) and a result of the race; and

(E) offering an award based on the high-amount bet placed in the step (B) and the result of the race.

According to the invention of (5), in a race in which a plurality of race objects (e.g. racehorses in a horse racing game) contend with one another for winning, when game media in the prescribed amount or more are betted as a normal bet, a high-amount bet with an upper limit set higher than that of the normal bet is accepted. A payout is then offered based on the normal bet and a result of the race, and a payout is also offered based on the high-amount bet and the result of the race.

The upper limit of the bet increases when the bet in the prescribed bet or more is placed, thereby allowing the player to place a bet in a higher amount. Further, since the upper limit of the bet changes (increases) by a prescribed trigger, it is possible to vary a game and make the player have a fresh mind. This can result in enhancement of willingness of the player to place a bet in a higher amount, so as to give the player the possibility of receiving a high-amount payout due to a high-amount bet, and facilitate to secure a profit of a manager of a game facility.

Further, by placing a high-amount bet on a specific race object and obtaining a large amount of payout, the player can enjoy feeling as if he or she is an owner (e.g. a horse owner) of the race object.

Further, the present invention provides the following. (6) The game control method according to the above-mentioned (5),

wherein

the step (E) includes the step of

(E-1) offering a normal award based on the high-amount bet and on a prescribed order of finish and also offering a special award different from the normal award, when the race object on which the high-amount bet has been placed in the step (B) finishes in the prescribed order.

According to the invention of (6), when the race object on which the high-amount bet has been placed finishes in a prescribed order in the race, a special payout (e.g. payout in an amount ten times as large as a payout based on the odds) is offered as a bonus, in addition to a normal payout (payout calculated using odds) based on the high-amount bet and the order of finish. Therefore, depending on the race result, placing the high-amount bet makes it possible for the player to obtain a high-amount payout which cannot be obtained based on the normal bet, thereby making it possible to enhance willingness of the player to challenge the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(7) The game control method according to the above-mentioned (5), the method further including the step of executing the processing of

(F) displaying to the display device an image showing that the high-amount bet can be placed, when game media in the predetermined amount or more have been placed in the step (A)

According to the invention of (7), an image showing that the high-amount bet can be placed is displayed to a display device (e.g. display) when the normal bet in the prescribed amount or more is placed. Hence, it is possible to give the player a deep impression that a bet in a higher amount can be placed, thereby leading to enhancement of willingness of the player to place the high-amount bet.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(8) A game control method, including the steps of:

(A) placing a normal bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning;

(B) placing a high-amount bet with an upper limit of bets being higher than an upper limit of bets for the normal bet, when game media in a prescribed amount or more have been betted in the step (A);

(C) proceeding with the race; and

(D) offering an award, based on a total of game media betted as the normal bet in the step (A) and game media betted as the high-amount bet in the step (B), and on a result of the race.

According to the invention of (8), in a race in which a plurality of race objects (e.g. racehorses in a horse racing game) contend with one another for winning, when game media in the prescribed amount or more are betted as a normal bet, a high-amount bet with an upper limit set higher than that of the normal bet is accepted. A payout is then offered based on a total of game media betted as the normal bet and game media betted as the high-amount bet, and on the result of the race. The upper limit of the bet increases when the bet is placed in the prescribed amount or more, thereby allowing a player to place a bet in a higher amount. Further, since the upper limit of the bet changes (increases) by a prescribed trigger, it is possible to vary a game and make the player have a fresh mind. This can result in enhancement of willingness of the player to place a bet in a higher amount, so as to give the player the possibility of receiving a high-amount payout due to a high-amount bet, and facilitate to secure a profit of a manager of a game facility.

Further, by placing a high-amount bet on a specific race object and obtaining a large amount of payout, the player can enjoy feeling as if he or she is an owner (e.g. a horse owner) of the race object.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming apparatus capable of changing an upper limit of a bet, and a game control method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of game operations executed in a station provided in a horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of images displayed to a sub monitor provided in the station.

FIG. 3 is another view showing an example of images displayed to the sub monitor provided in the station.

FIG. 4 is another view showing an example of images displayed to the sub monitor provided in the station.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the stations shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a main game portion provided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a station provided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of game operations performed in the main game portion provided in the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of bet information images displayed to a main monitor.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of result images displayed to the main monitor.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a racing game execution processing performed in the horse racing game apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the main monitor during a race.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. In the following, the case of applying the present invention to a horse racing game apparatus is described as a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

It is to be noted that a game in the present invention is a game totally processed by a CPU, except for input performed by a player.

FIG. 1 is a view showing characteristic processing in the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment, and is a flowchart showing an example of game operations executed in a station provided in the horse racing game apparatus of the present embodiment.

Further, FIGS. 2 to 4 are views showing an example of images displayed to a sub monitor provided in the station.

Furthermore, FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment; and FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the stations shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, a horse racing game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main monitor 21, and a plurality of stations 101 installed so as to face the main monitor 21. The player seated at each station 101 predicts a result of a racing game and inputs a bet by the use of a touch panel 114 provided on each station 101, to participate in a horse racing game.

In the present embodiment, when a bet is placed in a prescribed amount or more on a racehorse that participates in a racing game (hereinafter also referred to simply as a “race”) in which a plurality of racehorses contend with one another for winning, an upper limit of an amount that can be betted at one time is increased, and a bet in a high amount (hereinafter also referred to as a “high-amount bet”) can be placed. When the racehorse on which the high-amount bet has been placed finishes first, a special payout in an amount ten times as large as a normal bet is offered in addition to a payout (normal payout) based on the high-amount bet and odds.

Here, the processing of FIG. 1 is described. It is to be noted that FIG. 1 shows only processing performed in one station 101 for the sake of avoiding complexity.

First, in step S10, a CPU 131 (cf. FIG. 8) of the station 101 in the horse racing game apparatus 1 receives race information from a main game portion 11 (cf. FIG. 7). The race information includes information regarding racehorses to run in a race, and information regarding odds determined per betting ticket system. The racehorse corresponds to the race object in the present invention.

Next, in step S11, the CPU 131 starts measurement of elapsed time t by a timer 126 (cf. FIG. 8).

Next, in step S12, the CPU 131 displays a bet image to a sub monitor 113 (cf. FIG. 6) based on the race information received from the main game portion 11. The bet image is detailed later using FIG. 2.

In step S13, the CPU 131 specifies contents of the bet operation performed by the player, based on a coordinate signal from a touch panel driving circuit 122 (cf. FIG. 8), and stores the contents into a RAM 132 (cf. FIG. 8). Further, the CPU 131 reflects the contents of the bet operation to the display on the bet image of the sub monitor 113.

Subsequently, in step S14, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the bet placed by an input of the bet operation has reached a prescribed amount (100 credits in the present embodiment). When determining that the bet has reached the prescribed amount, the CPU 131 displays to the sub monitor 113 a high-amount bet image including an image showing a high-amount bet button for placing a high-amount bet with an upper limit of bets being high, in step S15. The high-amount bet image is detailed later using FIG. 3.

In step S14, when determining that the bet has not reached the prescribed amount or when executing the processing of step S15, the CPU 131 determines in step S16 whether or not the elapsed time t measured by the timer 126 has reached previously set specified time T (50 seconds in the present embodiment). When determining that the elapsed time t has not reached the specified time T, the CPU 131 shifts the processing to step S13.

On the other hand, when determining that the elapsed time t has reached the specified time T, the CPU 131 transmits, in step S17, the bet information showing the contents of the bet operation to a main control portion 12 (c.f. FIG. 7) through a communication interface 125 (cf. FIG. 8).

It is to be noted that the bet information at least includes an ID of the bet racehorse, information showing the number of bet game media, information regarding the type of the betting ticket, and information regarding an identification number of the station 101. The information showing the number of bet game media is information showing the number of game media betted by the use of the foregoing high-amount bet button and the number of game media betted (betted as normal-bet) without the use of the high-amount bet button.

Next, in step S18, the CPU 131 receives jockey viewpoint information from the main game portion 11. The jockey viewpoint information is information which shows an image showing a view of a racecourse seen from the viewpoint of a jockey of the racehorse on which the high-amount bet has been placed (hereinafter also referred to as a “jockey viewpoint image”), and is transmitted as needed from the main game portion 11 during a period when the race is in execution.

Next, in step S19, the CPU 131 displays the jockey viewpoint image based on the jockey viewpoint information received in step S18. The jockey viewpoint image is detailed later using FIG. 4.

Next, in step S20, the CPU 131 receives, from the main game portion 11, result information showing a result of the race such as an order of finish of each racehorse, amounts of payouts (a normal payout and a special payout) calculated based on the race result and the bet information, and the like. Upon receipt of the result information, the CPU 131 displays to the sub monitor 113 an image showing the race result and the payouts to be offered.

Next, in step S21, based on the result information received in step S20, the CPU 131 updates the number of credits owned by the player which is stored in the RAM 132, while updating display in an amount-of-payout display region 220 and a number-of-credits display region 221 (cf. FIG. 2) within the bet image on the sub monitor 113.

After executing the processing of step S 21, the CPU 131 completes the present subroutine.

FIG. 2 shows an example of bet images displayed to the sub monitor in step S12 of FIG. 1. The bet image displayed to the screen of the sub monitor 113 covered by the touch panel 114 is provided with: a horse number display region 201; a horse name display region 202; a basic ability display region 203 displaying speed and stamina by means of bar charts; a record display region 204 displaying orders of finish in last five races; a condition display region 205 displaying current conditions by means of arrows; and a betting ticket purchase button display region 206 displaying, with odds and the number of bets, a betting ticket perchance button for “win” in which a horse number that will finish first is predicted.

Further, the bet image includes images of a help button 211, a 1-bet button 213, a 5-bet button 214, a 10-bet button 215, a 100-bet button 216, a cancel button 217, a cash-out button 218, and a betting ticket system switch button 222.

Moreover, the bet image is provided with a time display region 212, a number-of-bets display region 219, an amount-of-payout display region 220, and a number-of-credits display region 221.

The help button 211 is a button to be touched by the player for displaying an operation method for betting and the like to the sub monitor 113. In the time display region 212, remaining time possible for bet-input is displayed. The 1-bet button 213 is a button to be touched by the player for adding “1” to the current number of bets. The 5-bet button 214 is a button to be touched by the player for adding “5” to the current number of bets. The 10-bet button 215 is a button to be touched by the player for adding “10” to the current number of bets. The 100-bet button 216 is a button to be touched by the player for adding “100” to the current number of bets.

The cancel button 217 is a button to be touched by the player for canceling the added number of bets. The cash-out button 218 is a button to be touched by the player for paying out coins in number in accordance with the number of credits owned by the player by means of the ticket 39 with a barcode. In the number-of-bets display region 219, the total number of bets set by the player in the current race is displayed. The amount-of-payout display region 220 displays an amount of payout in the race this time around. In the number-of-credits display region 221, the number of credits owned by the player is displayed.

Although the bet image shown in FIG. 2 is the win bet image, every time a betting ticket system switch button 222 is touched, the bet image is switched to place, exacta, trifecta, quinella, bracket quinella, trio, quinella-place (wide), and the like.

The player touches any of the 1-bet button 213, the 5-bet button 214, the 10-bet button 215, and the 100-bet button 216, and then touches any betting ticket purchase button within the betting ticket purchase button display region 206, so as to place a bet. For example, when touching the 10-bet button 215 and then touching a betting ticket purchase button corresponding to the horse number “1” within the betting ticket purchase button display region 206, the player can add “10” to the current number of bets on the racehorse of the horse number “1”. It is to be noted that the current number of bets on each horse number is displayed next to the betting ticket purchase button corresponding to each combination.

In the present embodiment, a bet placed by the use of any of the 1-bet button 213, the 5-bet button 214, the 10-bet button 215, and the 100-bet button 216 is referred to as the normal bet.

Further, in the present embodiment, although a case is described where a bet is placed on one racehorse, a bet may be placed on a plurality of racehorses in the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a high-amount bet image displayed to the sub monitor 113 in step S15 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, a high-amount bet button image 330 is displayed when a normal bet in a prescribed amount (100 credits) or more has been placed (cf. number-of-bets display region 219) by the use of any of the 1-bet button 213, the 5-bet button 214, the 10-bet button 215 and the 100-bet button 216. The player can input a high-amount bet that adds “500” to the current number of bets every time he or she touches a place corresponding to the high-amount bet button image 330 on the touch panel 114.

FIG. 4 shows an example of jockey viewpoint images displayed to the sub monitor 113 in step S19 of FIG. 1. When the jockey viewpoint information is received in the station 101 from the main game portion 11, a jockey viewpoint image 310 is displayed to the sub monitor 113, as shown in FIG. 4. The jockey viewpoint image 310 shows a view of a racecourse seen from the viewpoint of the jockey of the racehorse on which the high-amount bet has been placed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the high-amount bet is placed on a racehorse “AAA”, and a view of the racecourse seen from the viewpoint of a jockey of the racehorse “AAA” is displayed.

It is to be noted that, when high-amount bets have been placed on a plurality of racehorses, there are displayed the jockey viewpoint images 310 based on the viewpoints of the respective jockeys of all the racehorses on which the high-amount bets have been placed. For example, when high-amount bets have been placed on the racehorse “AAA” and a racehorse “BBB”, an image based on the viewpoint of the jockey of the racehorse “AAA” and an image based on the viewpoint of a jockey of the racehorse “BBB” are displayed side by side.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of horse racing game apparatuses according to the present embodiment.

The horse racing game apparatus 1 includes: the main monitor 21; speakers 22 installed on both the right and left sides of the main monitor 21; an indicator 23 installed on a top of the main monitor 21; and the plurality of stations 101 installed so as to face the main monitor 21.

To the main monitor 21, an image showing the progress of a race, an image showing information based on bets, and the like, are displayed. From the speakers 22, a sound in accordance with the progress of the race is outputted. To the indicator 23, information regarding the game in general and the like are displayed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the stations shown in FIG. 5.

The station 101 has: a cabinet 111, a chair 112 installed inside the cabinet 111; a sub monitor 113 installed on the cabinet 111 so as to face the chair 112; a touch panel 114 installed on the screen of the sub monitor 113; a bill validator 115 installed on the cabinet 111 to the right of the chair 112; and a ticket printer 116 installed below the bill validator 115.

To the sub monitor 113, the above-mentioned bet image, the high-amount bet image, the jockey viewpoint image, an image showing the progress of a race, and the like, are displayed. The sub monitor 113 corresponds to the display device in the present invention. The touch panel 114 is used when the player performs input, such as a bet operation that uses the bet image. The touch panel 114 corresponds to the bet input device in the present invention.

The bill validator 115 identifies validity of a bill, and accepts a regular bill into the cabinet 111. The bill accepted into the cabinet 111 is converted into the number of coins at a prescribed rate, and the number of credits corresponding to the number of coins is added to the number of credits owned by the player. It is to be noted that the bill validator 115 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket 39 with a barcode.

The ticket printer 116 prints on a ticket a barcode formed by encoding data such as the number of credits, date and time, and an identification number of the station 101, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode. The player can make another station read the ticket 39 with a barcode and play a game on that station 101, or exchange the ticket 39 with a barcode with bills or the like at a prescribed place in a gaming facility (e.g. cashier booth in a casino).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a main game portion provided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

A main game portion 11 is a central portion of the horse racing game apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. The main game portion 11 has a main control portion 12, the main monitor 21, the speakers 22, the indicator 23, a switch 24, and an external storage device 25.

The main control portion 12 has a microcomputer 45, arranged on a circuit board, as a main constituent. The microcomputer 45 has a CPU 41 that performs a control operation in accordance with a previously set program, a RAM 42, and a ROM 43.

The RAM 42 is a memory for temporarily storing a variety of data computed in the CPU 41. The ROM 43 stores a variety of programs for performing processing necessary in controlling the horse racing game apparatus 1, data on winning percentage of each racehorse, and the like.

The microcomputer 45 corresponds to the controller in the present invention.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with an image processing circuit 31 through an I/O interface 46. The image processing circuit 31 is connected to the main monitor 21, and controls the drive of the main monitor 21.

The image processing circuit 31 has a program ROM 311, an image ROM 312, an image control CPU 313, a work RAM 314, an image data processor 315 (hereinafter also referred to as a “VDP 315”), and a video RAM 316.

The program ROM 311 stores a program for image control regarding display within the main monitor 21, and a variety of selection tables.

Further, the image ROM 312 stores, for example, dot data for forming an image within the main monitor 21 and a variety of image data such as background image data and image data of racehorses.

Further, the image control CPU 313 determines an image to be displayed to the main monitor 21 out of the dot data and image data previously stored inside the image ROM in accordance with the image control program previously stored inside the program ROM, based on a parameter set in the microcomputer 45.

Further, the work RAM 314 is configured as a temporary storage unit in execution of the image control program in the image control CPU 313.

Furthermore, the VDP 315 generates image data in accordance with display contents determined in the image control CPU 313, and outputs the data to the main monitor 21.

Moreover, the video RAM 316 is configured as a temporary storage unit in formation of an image in the VDP 315.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a voice circuit 32 through the I/O interface 46. The voice circuit 32 is connected with the speakers 22. The speakers 22 are provided on the right and left sides of the main monitor 21, and output a sound under output-control by the voice circuit 32, based on a drive signal from the CPU 41.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with an indicator driving circuit 33 through the I/O interface 46. The indicator driving circuit 33 is connected with the indicator 23. The indicator 23 is provided on the top of the main monitor 21, and displays information regarding a game in general, and the like, under display-control by the indicator driving circuit 33, based on a drive signal from the CPU 41.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a switch circuit 34 through the I/O interface 46. The switch circuit 34 is connected with the switch 24. The switch 24 is provided below the main monitor 21, and inputs a command by a setting operation performed by an operator into the CPU 41, based on a switch signal from the switch circuit 34.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a random number generator 35 through the I/O interface 46. The random number generator 35 generates a random number to be sampled by the CPU 41.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a timer 37 through the I/O interface 46. The timer 37 is used for measuring time at the start of a racing game, and the like.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with the external storage device 25 through the I/O interface 46. The external storage device 25 is provided on the periphery of the main monitor 21. For example, storing the dot data for forming an image and the like into the external storage device 25 allows the external storage device 25 to have a function similar to that of the image ROM 312 inside the image processing circuit 31. Therefore, when determining an image to be displayed to the main monitor 21, the image control CPU 313 inside the image processing circuit 31 also takes the dot data and the like previously stored inside the external storage device 25 as objects for the determination.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with the communication interface 36 through the I/O interface 46. The communication interface 36 is connected with a sub control portion 102 of each of the stations 101. Therefore, the CPU 41 transmits and receives a command, a request, data, and the like, to and from each of the stations 101 through the communication interface 36.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the station provided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

The station 101 includes the sub control portion 102, the sub monitor 113, the touch panel 114, the bill validator 115, and the ticket printer 116.

The sub control portion 102 has a microcomputer 135 arranged on the circuit board, as a main constituent. The microcomputer 135 has a CPU 131 that performs a control operation in accordance with a previously set program, a RAM 132, and a ROM 133.

The RAM 132 is a memory for temporarily storing a variety of data computed in the CPU 131. The ROM 133 stores a variety of programs for performing processing necessary in controlling the horse racing game apparatus 1, a data table, and the like.

The microcomputer 135 corresponds to the controller in the present invention.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a sub monitor driving circuit 121 through an I/O interface 136. The sub monitor driving circuit 121 is connected with the sub monitor 113. The sub monitor driving circuit 121 controls the drive of the sub monitor 113, based on a drive signal from the main game portion 11. The sub monitor driving circuit 121 has a configuration and function similar to those of the image processing circuit 31, and for example, controls the drive of the sub monitor 113 so that a later-described bet image is displayed.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a touch panel driving circuit 122 through the I/O interface 136. The touch panel driving circuit 122 is connected with the touch panel 114. The touch panel 114 is provided on the screen of the sub monitor 113, and inputs into the CPU 131 a command by a touching operation of the player as a coordinate signal from the touch panel driving circuit 122.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a bill validator driving circuit 123 through the I/O interface 136. The bill validator driving circuit 123 is connected with the bill validator 115. The bill validator 115 identifies validity of a bill and the ticket 39 with a barcode. When accepting a regular bill, the bill validator 115 inputs the amount of the accepted bill into the CPU 131, based on an identification signal from the bill validator driving circuit 123. Further, when accepting a regular ticket 39 with a barcode, the bill validator 115 inputs into the CPU 131 the number of credits and the like which are recorded on the ticket 39 with a barcode, based on an identification signal from the bill validator driving circuit 123.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a ticket printer driving circuit 124 through the I/O interface 136. The ticket printer driving circuit 124 is connected with the ticket printer 116. The ticket printer 116 prints on a ticket a barcode formed by encoding data such as the number of owned credits stored in the RAM 132, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode under output-control by the ticket printer driving circuit 124, based on a drive signal outputted from the CPU 131.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a communication interface 125 through the I/O interface 136. The communication interface 125 is connected with the main control portion 12 of the main game portion 11. Therefore, the CPU 131 transmits and receives a command, a request, data, and the like, to and from the main game portion 11 through the communication interface 125.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with the timer 126 through the I/O interface 136. The timer 126 is used for measuring time in ending acceptance of the bet operation.

Next, the game operation executed in the horse racing game apparatus 1 is described. However, since the processing executed in the station 101 have already been described using FIG. 1, only processing executed in the main game portion 11 is described here.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of game operations performed in the main game portion provided in the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In the main game portion 11, respective operations of steps S100 to S108 are performed.

First, in step S100, the CPU 41 selects a prescribed number of (e.g. 6) racehorses out of a plurality of racehorses the data of which are stored in the ROM 43, based on random numbers generated by the random number generator 35, and determines those selected racehorses as racehorses to run in a race this time around. At this time, the CPU 41 provides starting numbers of “1” to “6” to the racehorses to run.

Next, in step S101, the CPU 41 executes processing of determining odds per betting ticket system. At this time, the CPU 41 sets odds, based on winning percentage data of each racehorse which is stored in the ROM 43. Therefore, order-of-finish prediction odds including a racehorse with a high winning probability are set low, whereas order-of-finish prediction odds including a racehorse with a low winning probability are set high.

In step S102, the CPU 41 transmits, to each station 101, race information on the racehorses to run and odds which have been determined in the processing of steps S100 and S101.

Next, in step S103, the CPU 41 receives, from the station 101, bet information showing the contents of the bet operation at the station 101.

Next, in step S104, the CPU 41 displays to the main monitor 21 a bet information image based on the bet information received in step S103.

The bet information image is detailed later using FIG. 10.

Subsequently, in step S105, the CPU 41 executes racing game execution processing.

In this racing game execution processing, the CPU 41 determines an order of finish of each racehorse in the racing game, and the like, based on a random number generated by the random number generator 35. The CPU 41 then outputs an image showing the race progress to the main monitor 21, based on the determination contents.

This racing game execution processing is detailed later using FIG. 11.

Next, in step S106, the CPU 41 displays to the main monitor 21 a result image showing a result of the horse racing game, based on the bet information received in step S103 and on a result of the race in the racing game execution processing of step S105. The result image includes an image showing an identification number of the station 101 at which the high-amount bet has been placed on the racehorse finishing first. The result image is detailed later using FIG. 11.

In step S107, the CPU 41 calculates an amount of payout to each station 101, based on the odds determined in step S101, the bet information received in step S103, and the order of finish of each racehorse determined in the racing game execution processing of step S105. When the high-amount bet has been placed, a normal payout and a special payout are determined based on the result of the race.

Next, in step S108, the CPU 41 transmits, as result information, information showing the result of the race and each of the amounts of payout calculated in the processing of step S107, to each corresponding station 101.

Hereafter, the same processing is repeated in subsequent races.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of bet information images displayed to the main monitor in step S104 of FIG. 9.

In the bet information image shown in FIG. 10, there are provided: a horse number display region 3 that displays horse numbers indicating starting numbers of racehorses that run in a race; a horse name display region 4 that displays names of the racehorses; an odds display region 5 that displays odds of a win betting ticket; and a betting state display region 6 that displays information regarding game media having been betted.

In the lower portion of the bet information image, a racecourse display region 7 is provided which displays a whole picture of a racecourse of the racing game currently accepting bet-input. Symbol S denotes a start point of the race and symbol G denotes a goal point of the race.

It is to be noted that, in the present embodiment, the bet information image is to be displayed to the main monitor 21. However, in the present invention, the bet information image may be displayed to the sub monitor provided in the station.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of result images displayed to the main monitor in step S106 of FIG. 9.

The result image includes an image 320 showing a description praising the player for making a correct prediction of the order of finish about the racehorse on which he or she has placed a high-amount bet, and an image 321 citing identification numbers of stations 101 at which a correct prediction of the order of finish with the high-amount bet has been made. FIG. 11 shows that the correct prediction of the order of finish has been made at the stations 101 that correspond to the identification numbers of “4”, “5”, “10” and “15”.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of racing game execution processing performed in the main game portion.

First, in step S200, the CPU 41 performs variety of settings relating to the race. In the processing, the CPU 41 determines an order of finish of each racehorse in the race, based on random numbers generated by the random number generator 35.

Next, in step S201, the CPU 41 sets an effect pattern for image display, based on the settings in the processing of step S200. Namely, the CPU 41 produces an effect image of each racehorse from the start to the finish, based on the background image data, the image data of the racehorses, and the like which are stored in the image ROM 312.

In step S202, the CPU 41 outputs an image showing the race progress to the main monitor 21, based on the effect image produced in the processing of step S201.

At this time, identification numbers of all the stations 101 at which the high-amount bets have been placed on racehorses are displayed at positions of a number cloth of the racehorses on which the high-amount bets have been placed and a number cloth of the jockey riding on the racehorses. An example of such display is detailed later using FIG. 13.

Subsequently, in step S203, the CPU 41 transmits jockey viewpoint information, which is information indicating an image (jockey viewpoint image) that shows a view of the racecourse seen from the viewpoint of the jockey of the racehorse on which the high-amount bet has been placed, to the corresponding station 101 at prescribed time intervals (every 1/30 of a second in the present embodiment).

Next, in step S204, the CPU 41 determines whether or not all the racehorses running in the racing game have crossed the finish line. When determining that all the racehorses have not crossed the finish line, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S202. On the other hand, when determining that all the racehorses have crossed the finish line, the CPU 41 completes the present subroutine.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the main monitor during the race.

A plurality of images 300 showing racehorses (and jockeys) are displayed to the main monitor 21, and images 301 showing the respective horse numbers of the racehorses are displayed near the images 300. Also, at positions of a number cloth of the racehorse on which high-amount bet has been placed and a number cloth of the jockey, images 302 showing the identification numbers of the stations 101 at which the high-amount bet has been placed on the racehorse.

As described above, according to the horse racing game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in a race in which a plurality of racehorses contend with one another for winning, when game media in the prescribed amount or more are betted as a normal bet, the high-amount bet with an upper limit set higher than that of the normal bet is accepted. An award is then offered based on the normal bet and a result of the race, and an award is also offered based on the high-amount bet and on the result of the race.

The upper limit of the bet increases when the bet is placed in the prescribed amount or more, thereby allowing a player to place a bet in a higher amount. Further, since the upper limit of the bet changes (increases) by a prescribed trigger, it is possible to vary a game and make the player have a fresh mind. This can result in enhancement of willingness of the player to place a bet in a higher amount, so as to give the player the possibility of receiving a high-amount payout due to a high-amount bet, and facilitate to secure a profit of a manager of a game facility.

Further, by placing a high-amount bet on a specific racehorse and obtaining a large amount of payout, the player enjoys feeling as if he or she is an owner (e.g. a horse owner) of the racehorse.

Further, according to the horse racing game apparatus 1, when the racehorse on which the high-amount bet has been placed finishes in a prescribed order in the race, a special payout (e.g. payout in an amount ten times as large as a payout based on the odds) is offered as a bonus, in addition to a normal payout (payout calculated using the odds) based on the high-amount bet and the order of finish. Therefore, depending on the race result, placing the high-amount bet makes it possible for the player to obtain a high-amount payout which cannot be obtained based on the normal bet, thereby making it possible to enhance willingness of the player to challenge the game.

Furthermore, according to the horse racing game apparatus 1, the high-amount bet button image 330 showing that a high-amount bet can be placed is displayed to the sub monitor 113, when the normal bet in the prescribed amount or more has been placed. Hence, it is possible to give the player a deep impression that a bet in a higher amount can be placed, thereby leading to enhancement of willingness of the player to place the high-amount bet.

In the present invention, as shown in the present embodiment, it is desirably configured to enable placement of the high-amount bet in the case of a win betting ticket system. However, it may be configured to enable placement of the high-amount bet also in a case where a betting ticket system is another system such as exacta or trifecta.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described where the high-amount bet button image 330 is displayed to the sub monitor 113 when the normal bet reaches or exceeds a prescribed amount. However, in the present invention, a high-amount bet button image previously displayed to the display device may be made operative only when the normal bet reaches or exceeds the prescribed amount.

Further, in the present invention, a physical button provided in the gaming apparatus (e.g. a push button switch provided in the station) may be made usable as the high-amount bet button only when the normal bet reaches or exceeds the prescribed amount.

Moreover, in the present invention, a plurality of types of high-amount bet buttons with which bets of different amounts from one another can be placed at a time may be provided (or displayed as an image to the display device).

Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described where the payout with respect to the normal bet and the payout with respect to the high-amount bet are separately calculated and offered. However, in the present invention, a payout may be calculated based on a total of the normal bet and the high-amount bet.

Further, in the present invention, it may be configured such that the normal bet is voided when the high-amount bet is placed after the normal bet has reached a prescribed amount.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described where racehorses to run are determined based on random numbers generated by the random number generator 35. However, in the present invention, racehorses may be made to run in a prescribed order. For example, racehorses may be made to run in a racing game in order of racehorse ID. Further, racehorses may be divided into groups each consisting of a prescribed number of (e.g. 6) racehorses, and made to run in the unit of groups in order of group.

Also, in the present embodiment, the case has been described where one racecourse is stored in the ROM 43. However, in the present invention, a plurality of racecourses may be stored in the ROM; for example, a dirt course, a turf course, a clockwise course, a counter-clockwise course, courses having different race distances, and the like may be stored in the ROM.

Specifically, the CPU 41 selects one racecourse out of a plurality of racecourses stored in the ROM 43 based on a random number generated by the random number generator 35, and takes the selected racecourse as a course of the race this time around. Further, the CPU 41 transmits to each station 101 the information regarding the selected racecourse as race information, along with information regarding racehorses to run and odds thereof which have been determined in the processing of steps S100 and S101.

Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described the case of executing a video horse racing game in which a race is held with images of racehorses which are displayed to the main monitor 21. However, in the present invention, a race may be held using model racehorses or the like. Moreover, a game in which a bet is placed on an actual race of horse racing or the like may be executed.

In the present embodiment, the case of applying the present invention to the horse racing game apparatus 1 has been described, but in the present invention, a bike racing game apparatus, a boat racing game apparatus, a dog racing game apparatus, a car racing game apparatus, a motorcycle racing game apparatus, or the like may be adopted. In the case of forming such a configuration, bikes, motorboats, dogs, cars, or motorcycles correspond to the race objects in the present invention.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it just presents a specific example, and does not particularly limit the present invention. A specific configuration of each unit or the like can be appropriately changed in terms of design. Further, the description of the effects made in the embodiment of the present invention are only recitation of the most preferable effects that arise from the present invention, and the effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiment of the present invention. 

1. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a bet input device with which a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning can be inputted; and a controller, said controller programmed so as to execute the processing of (A) accepting a normal bet from said bet input device, (B) accepting in said bet input device a high-amount bet with an upper limit of bets being higher than an upper limit of bets for said normal bet, when game media in a prescribed amount or more have been betted in said processing (A), (C) proceeding with said race, and (D) offering an award based on the normal bet placed in said processing (A) and a result of said race, and (E) offering an award based on the high-amount bet placed in said processing (B) and the result of said race.
 2. The gaming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said processing (E) includes the processing of (E-1) offering a normal award based on said high-amount bet and on a prescribed order of finish and also offering a special award different from said normal award, when said race object on which said high-amount bet has been placed in said processing (B) finishes in said prescribed order.
 3. The gaming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display device capable of displaying an image, wherein said controller is further programmed so as to execute the processing of (F) displaying to said display device an image showing that said high-amount bet can be placed, when game media in the predetermined amount or more have been placed in said processing (A).
 4. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a bet input device with which a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning can be inputted; and a controller, said controller programmed so as to execute the processing of (A) accepting a normal bet from said bet input device, (B) accepting in said bet input device a high-amount bet with an upper limit of bets being higher than an upper limit of bets for said normal bet, when game media in a prescribed amount or more have been betted in said processing (A), (C) proceeding with said race, and (D) offering an award, based on a total of game media betted as the normal bet in said processing (A) and game media betted as the high-amount bet in said processing (B), and on a result of said race.
 5. A game control method, including the steps of: (A) placing a normal bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning; (B) placing a high-amount bet with an upper limit of bets being higher than an upper limit of bets for said normal bet, when game media in a prescribed amount or more have been betted in said step (A); (C) proceeding with said race; (D) offering an award based on the normal bet placed in said step (A) and a result of said race; and (E) offering an award based on the high-amount bet placed in said step (B) and the result of said race.
 6. The game control method according to claim 5, wherein said step (E) includes the step of (E-1) offering a normal award based on said high-amount bet and on a prescribed order of finish and also offering a special award different from said normal award, when said race object on which said high-amount bet has been placed in said step (B) finishes in said prescribed order.
 7. The game control method according to claim 5, the method further including the step of executing the processing of (F) displaying to said display device an image showing that said high-amount bet can be placed, when game media in the predetermined amount or more have been placed in said step (A)
 8. A game control method, including the steps of: (A) placing a normal bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning; (B) placing a high-amount bet with an upper limit of bets being higher than an upper limit of bets for said normal bet, when game media in a prescribed amount or more have been betted in said step (A); (C) proceeding with said race; and (D) offering an award, based on a total of game media betted as the normal bet in said step (A) and game media betted as the high-amount bet in said step (B), and on a result of said race. 